Phil Jarrold and sister Victoria Jarrold

AN “utterly devastated’’ family yesterday paid loving tributes to a treasured son, brother and uncle after his sudden death.

Sky Sports News presenter Stuart Jarrold

Phil Jarrold, the eldest son of television presenter Stuart Jarrold, was found collapsed at his Woodbridge home after his concerned family failed to reach him on Sunday morning.

Mr Jarrold, who freelances for Sky Sports News and has worked for BBC Look East and ITV Anglia, said Phil’s mum Christine, sister Tory and 17-year-old brother Tom, had been left “utterly devastated” at the death of the 34-year-old tree surgeon.

“Phil was a much loved son, brother and uncle and we are all desperately saddened,” he said. “His sudden tragic departure will leave a massive void in our lives. We are finding it difficult in the extreme to come to terms with what has happened.”

The 64-year-old, who lives in Hoxne, near Eye, said his eldest son loved music and, having taken up the guitar when he was 13 years old, it was “a big part of his life”.

“He loved playing and listening to rock, blues, jazz and soul as well as old time and modern vocalists,” Mr Jarrold added.

And mum Christine said: “He was such a gentle person and an amiable character, happy to engage in conversation with whoever he met, young or old.

“And he had a lovely, dry sense of humour.

“Sport was another of his passions, following the fortunes of Ipswich Town and the England rugby team. As a child he played mini rugby at Ipswich Rugby Club when we lived in the town.”

Phil’s sister Tory, 37, mum to his two nieces, six-year-old Milly and three-year-old Evie said there had been an overwhelming outpouring of love for her little brother, a former Farlingaye High School student.

She said: “Many of his old school friends and workmates have been in touch to say how shocked they all are too.

“One described him as a ‘diamond’ and others have been putting out messages on Facebook saying just how much he was loved and liked.”

Phil was a qualified tree surgeon and had worked for Needham Market firm BTS Group for the last 12 years.

Halley McCallum, managing director of the company, said the dedicated member of their team would be “sorely missed by all”.

“He was a really valuable member of our team, our business is like a family and Phil was a hugely important part of us. We will miss him,” he said.

Mr Jarrold, a sports journalist, was due to host the reunion celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ipswich Town’s UEFA cup win at the Corn Exchange, Ipswich, on Monday night.

After hearing the tragic news of his son’s death late on Sunday night, he was forced to withdraw from the celebrations.

He said the family were currently waiting to find out more about what caused Phil’s death and have yet to arrange his funeral.